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Custom Safaris - Zimbabwe
Next Adventure represents safari camps in Hwange, Mana Pools, Matobo National Park, Chizarira, Lake Kariba - Matusadona National Parks and other areas throughout Zimbabwe. For many clients we develop custom itineraries to suit their interest and budget. There are few scheduled tours in Zimbabwe and we usually make custom arrangements for couples, families and small groups.
16 DAY NEXT ADVENTURE SAFARI
Harare, Lake Kariba, Matusadona, Mana Pools, Hwange & Victoria Falls
Overnight in Harare, visit remote areas of Lake Kariba and Matusadona National Park for 2 days with foot and boat safari followed by 4 days on the Lower Zambezi River, then travel to Hwange National Park for 3 day remote safari and conclude with two nights in Victoria Falls.
ITINERARY:
Days 1–2 Enroute to Harare.
Day 3 Meet in Harare and transfer to Elizabeth Nugent's Guesthouse.
Days 4–6 Fly to Kariba and take charter flight to Musango Safari Lodge. Safaris by walking, canoe, and boat.
Days 7–9 Charter flight to Mana Pools for canoe safari or tented camp based safari by boat and safari vehicle.
Day 10 Return to Kariba and fly to Hwange National Park, transfer to remote safari lodge.
Days 11–12 Safaris in Hwange National Park.
Days 13–14 Fly to Victoria Falls. Transfer from airport to your hotel. Activities include heli 'flight of the angels', sundowner cruise on the Zambezi River and cultural dance.
Day 15 Fly to Harare and connect with London flight. Day 16 Arrive London and connect with US flight arriving the same day.
DATES: Mana Pools camp is open May through October. November through April trips use the Zambia side of the river with lodges.
COST: Including international and domestic airfare from USA gateway from $6250 per person sharing twin accommodations. Cost is a variable depending on season, accommodation in Victoria Falls and any options. Lunch and dinners in Victoria Falls are not included. All domestic air and transfers are included.
NEXT ADVENTURE ELEGANT ZIMBABWE (8 days)
Victoria Falls, Hwange National Park, Lake Kariba, Harare
This independent travel circuit features splendid accommodations, from the romantic Victoria Falls Hotel to deluxe safari camps. The tour begins with two nights at Victoria Falls, including a tour of the falls, a cruise on the Zambezi, and an evening performance of traditional African dance. You'll then fly to directly to Hwange National Park for two nights at the luxurious Makalolo Plains Camp, with wildlife viewing in open landrover and the opportunity for wildlife walks with a professional guide. From Hwange fly to Kariba and a short connecting flight to the Musango Safari Lodge on Lake Kariba. Activities include wildlife viewing by powerboat and on foot with a professional guide. The last night is at Elizabeth Nugent's Guest House with airport transfers, sightseeing and all meals and drinks included. Note: Nights can be added at any of the fine accommodations on this circuit, and you can begin the trip in either Victoria Falls or Harare. ITINERARY:
Days 1–2 Arrive Victoria Falls and transfer to Victoria Falls Hotel for two nights. River cruise and dance performance included.
Days 3–4 Charter flight from Victoria Falls to Linkwasha airstrip in Hwange National Park. Overnights at Makalolo or Linkwasha luxury tented camps.
Days 5–6 Fly to Musango Safari Lodge on Lake Kariba.
Days 7–8 Fly to Harare overnight at Elizabeth Nugent guest house. Trip may be run in reverse.
DATES: Any time you want, subject to availability. Peak season is June to September and holiday periods. It's best to book as far in advance as possible.
COST: From $2,750 per person sharing twin. Package includes all but lunches in Victoria Falls, domestic airfare in Zimbabwe and items of a personal nature, and any optional activities at Victoria Falls not specified above.
Best of Zimbabwe Wing Safari {WS}
Victoria Falls, Hwange, Lake Kariba – Matusadona, Mana Pools
The best game viewing areas of Zimbabwe are in the countrie's northern National Parks. Hwange, Matusadona and Mana Pools are legendary and this safari concentrates on these parks. Not only are we in the best reserves - but we also stay in the prime game areas within these parks. Air transfers move guests from one area to the next with the minimum delay. Safaris can be tailor-made for any duration. To follow is a sample eight day itinerary.
Day 1 - Victoria Falls
Guests arriving at Victoria Falls Airport are met and transferred to the Victoria Falls Hotel where accommodation is on a bed and breakfast basis or The River Club on the Zambezi where accommodation is on a full board basis. There are many different activities available in and around the falls, which can be booked either in advance - or on arrival. White water rafting, Elephant back safaris, bungi jumping and canoeing are all part of the experience on offer. Some of these activities will require a second night in Victoria Falls.
Days 2 and 3 - Hwange National Park
Guests are transferred to the Victoria Falls Airport and fly by charter aircraft to Makalolo Plains, Little Makalolo, and Linkwasha or to Giraffe Springs, the prime camps situated in private concessions in Hwange. The camps are luxury tented and offer game drives in open 4x4's, hides and walks.
Days 4 and 5 - Matusadona National Park
After a last morning's game drive, guests are flown to Matusadona National Park to Matusadona Water Wilderness. The camp offers great walks, boating, canoeing and game drives. Enjoy game viewing from unique, luxurious floating lodges.
Days 6 and 7 - Mana Pools National Park
From Matusadona, guests are flown eastwards, down the Zambezi valley to the Chikwenya Airstrip and to Chikwenya Camp on the eastern boundary of Mana Pools or Ruckomechi on the Western boundary. These camps are located within the scenic and game rich Zambezi Valley. Activities centre on game drives, walks, hides and canoeing along the banks of the Zambezi.
Day 8 - The safari ends after arriving at Harare.
Departures: Anytime of the year with custom arrangements. LOWER ZAMBEZI CANOE SAFARIS
Mana Pools National Park Canoeing on the Zambezi has become a classic Zimbabwe game viewing experience. No canoeing experience is required and there are no rapids, but the trips are physically strenuous. Two-person canoes are used. The guides are licensed and are conscientious about river safety, but please note that there is a danger to African river travel, particularly from hippos, crocodile and elephant. There have been accidents although they are rare. Many people are intimidated by the combination of wildlife, wilderness, and canoeing on a large river. Canoe trips can be arranged from 3 to 10 days. Consult with Next Adventure. MANA POOLS FOUR DAY ITINERARY:
This is the most popular program which utilizes a main tented camp in Mana Pools National Park. Landrover and walking safaris are combined with 1/ 2 day canoeing. Mana Pools Tented Camp use large walk-in tents, shower and toilet tents and a central dining room area under canvas. Mana Pools is reached by charter flights from Kariba or Harare.
CAMPS & LODGES IN ZIMBABWE
Victoria Falls Hotel
Built in 1904 it has achieved international fame no doubt due to the proximity of the world’s most famous waterfalls. With views overlooking the bridge and the gorge below, this hotel has the best site for accessibility to Victoria Falls, being only a 10- minute walk from the hotel. Elizabeth Nugent – Guesthouse in Harare
Elizabeth provides a very special and personalized 24-hour service including accommodations, meals and drinks, airport or other transfers and sightseeing. She can accommodate 6 guests. Transfers, meals, drinks and all activities are included. Guests are her personal houseguests and are treated as such. For dinner she often invites locals for a good dinner party with plenty of Irish coffee and good South African wine. With Elizabeth explore the local art and culture scene and the shopping is special because of the various friends she has in different places of interest. Patrick Mavros a silversmith is always a favorite as his work is exquisite. He creates various pieces with an African flavor. Joyce Birch deals in ethnic ceramics, she has an incredible old Rhodesian style home which is interesting in itself, and the garden is full of Shona sculptures. Elephant Camp – Victoria Falls Area
Situated just 25 kilometers west of Victoria Falls on 35,000 acres of privately owned wildlife estate. Elephant Camp offers one of the newest and most thrilling safari experiences in Africa. Elephant Camp not only makes it possible to view wildlife from the back of an elephant but, more importantly to share a day in the life of an elephant at close quarters.
Comfortable thatched accommodation with en-suite facilities, well-prepared meals, experienced guides, the company of elephants and the warm and friendly Wild Horizons atmosphere will make this a truly memorable part of your African experience. The Elephant Camp accommodates a maximum of eight guests. Four thatched chalets, a dining area, swimming pool and bar/patio overlook a sweeping view of open plains. A number of activities are offered, with the emphasis on spending time with the elephants - either game viewing from their backs, picnicking with them on the estate, grooming, feeding or swimming with them, or just experiencing the pleasure of being close to such magnificent animals. Game drives, both at night and during the day, as well as guided walks, are also available - either on the estate or into the neighboring Zambezi National Park. It is advisable to arrange trips to Victoria Falls before and after your visit to Elephant Camp, so as not to intrude on a very special experience. Accommodation consists of three twin-bedded chalets and one honeymoon suite. All chalets are brick under thatch with en-suite facilities. Activities are all inclusive of elephant back safaris, walks, game drives, night drives. No children under 16 years of age. Mana Pools Tented Camp
Mana Pools Tented Camps is a small and exclusive mobile camps accommodating up to 8 guests. They are designed to give the visitor a feeling of being part of a truly traditional African safari – what we would like to think of as a ‘real’ tented bush camp – no electricity, no plumbing, no concrete, brick or stone! In fact, the entire camp is designed so that it can be taken down and removed within 4 to 6 hours – leaving nothing behind to even indicate that we had been there at all. Here guests will go to sleep to the sounds of the African night and awake in one of the region’s most beautiful settings, surrounded by the sights, smells and sounds of the numerous birds and wild animals that inhabit this truly memorable place. It will appeal to those clients who are looking for a true African bush experience. Here they can relax and enjoy the many comforts provided in camp or go out to explore this World Heritage area on foot, by canoe or in open 4x4 vehicles.
The camp utilises private sites located on the banks of the Zambezi. From the comfort of their tents guests will enjoy stunning views across the river to the Zambian escarpment beyond, with an almost endless parade of birds and animals on offer on the surrounding floodplain and islands in front of camp. Vast numbers of wild animals congregate on the floodplain during the drier months of May through to November and offer exceptional game viewing on foot, by canoe or using open 4 wheel drive vehicles. Musango Safari Lodge – Lake Kariba
Musango Safari Camp is situated on its own island, just off the shoreline of the Matusadona National Park. Offering an abundance of wildlife from buffalo and elephant to the rare black rhino, Musango Safari Camp is also an ornithologist's paradise with a myriad of birds to be seen frequenting the birdbaths in front of the lodge and rooms. Access is direct from Kariba to camp by floatplane or by private charter to the nearby airstrip at Bumi Hills. Musango boasts the largest selection of activities on Lake Kariba, amongst them is our moonlit dinners on a floating pontoon, very romantic for that special occasion.
Musango Safari Camp is an exclusive 12-bedded camp, ideal for a relaxing holiday. Under thatch, the large luxurious safari tents each have en-suite bathrooms built out of natural stone. The frontal verandahs offer panoramic views across the lake, of the Matusadona National Park and mountains. The swimming pool area and the bar/lounge platform offers an excellent place in which to relax and view game during the heat of the day.
Excursions include walks into the Matusadona National Park, where you have an incredible success rate of locating the rare black rhino and the nearby Game Sanctuary, game viewing by boat along the many inlets and creeks, and casual canoe paddling up adjacent creeks where bird life is prolific and the scenery breathtaking. We offer fishing and our boats are fully equipped with tackle and bait. We also conduct dinosaur fossil and early stone-age site visits as well as specialized birding trips. Morning visits to the nearby village may also be arranged and are very popular. Chikwenya Camp – Mana Pools {WS}
Chikwenya and Mana Pools National Park have to be one of the most beautiful sites for a safari anywhere in Southern Africa. The main focus at Chikwenya is the tranquil Zambezi River, its open floodplain, Chikwenya Island and the wonderful wildlife which lives in Mana Pools. It is a photographer's paradise as tall attractive acacia trees dot the open floodplains, with the mountains of the Rift Valley providing the backdrop. The camp has 18 beds, in 9 superb tented rooms with en suite facilities, as well as either an outdoor shower or bath "under the stars". Each room has a panoramic view onto the floodplains of the Zambezi. One can lie in bed and watch Elephant and Buffalo stroll past your room. There is a pub and lounge under thatch. Breakfasts are enjoyed outdoors under the shade of an enormous mahogany tree and dinners are often on the deck under the stars. There is a pool as well. The camp is open all year. Ruckomechi Camp – Mana Pools {WS}
Ruckomechi camp is situated on the western boundary of Mana Pools National Park in Northeast Zimbabwe. It has a private concession area around the camp. It is the sister camp to Chikwenya and is situated in a large grove of acacia and mahogany trees overlooking the Zambezi River, with a superb view of the Zambian Escarpment. The area is renowned for its regular Lion, Elephant and Leopard sightings. The combination of great game viewing, a multitude of activities and stunning scenery, make this camp one of the best in all Africa. The camp sleeps 20 guests in 10 thatched chalets. Facilities are en suite and include a shower, toilet and basin. There is one honeymoon suite overlooking the Zambezi River with an outside "bath with a view". The central dining, pub and lounge area is under cool thatch, on the river's edge, facing the escarpment. A wooden viewing deck provides the perfect place for gazing at the Zambezi River and the mountains. There is a plunge pool. Hwange National Park Camps {WS}
Makalolo, Little Makalolo, Linkwasha Little Linkwasha & Giraffe Springs.
Wilderness Safaris has five camps within Hwange National Park. The area is ecologically diverse, including vast, open, palm-fringed plains, grasslands, acacia woodlands, and teak forests. This ensures a varied food "pantry" which feeds great numbers of animals year round. Makalolo is made up of two small camps which have exclusive use of a massive concession area within Hwange National Park. Guest accommodation is provided in large, comfortable, tastefully decorated, tented rooms with en suite facilities within the main body of the tent. The bathrooms have hot and cold running water, showers and flush toilets as well as an additional outdoor shower. The living area includes a dining room, pub, plunge pool and an open fire area for those evening fireside bush tales. Matusadona Water Wilderness {Lake Kariba} {WS}
Matusadona National Park is a wonderful park situated along the southern shores of Lake Kariba. Guests visiting this lodge have the best of the Lake Kariba water based activities, coupled with great wildlife experiences on dry land within the park. The area is one of the few where Black Rhino can regularly be seen in Zimbabwe's parks. Water Wilderness is divided into two identical lodges: one is an eight bed and the other is a ten bed. Both camps still run independently so guests have that small camp atmosphere. The lodges are situated just off the shoreline of Matusadona National Park and consist of floating chalets, moored in two separate and secluded bays. Accommodation is in large twin-bedded, floating chalets, each with en suite bathroom with toilet and shower. Each of the floating rooms has its own cool veranda. The "mother ship" houses a lounge, dining room and upstairs viewing deck. Guests may commute between this unit and their rooms either by canoe or the camp's motorized pontoon. Camp Amalinda – Matobo National Park
Amalinda accommodates 16 guests. The lodge is set against majestic granite scenery that has been incorporated into the architecture of the lodge. A swimming pool is carved out of the granite rock and has an adjacent bar and lounge area. It is in these granite hills that the ‘San’ Bushmen recorded their life in the ancient rock art. Supposedly the highest concentration of leopard (although difficult to find) and black eagle in the world are found in this area. Also found are both black and white rhino. Game viewing is by vehicle, foot and horseback in the adjacent game park. The ‘camp’ also has three domesticated elephant for ‘elephant back safaris’ and you can walk with them, help them bath and groom them.
Other activities include excellent bird watching, exploring for cave paintings, visits to African villages and schools and a sightseeing trip to Bulawayo. The Natural History Museum is outstanding and very worth a visit for those staying up to three days. Cecil John Rhodes’ grave and ‘The View of the World’ are also nearby. There is a lot to do in the area and it’s the perfect place to recuperate from the long trip and become accustomed to a new country.
Big Cave Camp – Matobo National Park
Big Cave Camp is built on top of an enormous granite whaleback ensuring superb views of the Matobo National Park. Six thatched A-frame granite lodges, each with en suite bathroom and private balcony, provide superb comfort for up to 16 guests. The Leopard's Lair dining room and bar is the perfect meeting place for guests and guides to recount the day's activities over a meal or a drink. Walks, horseback outings and drives guests are always accompanied by qualified guides into the Whovi Game Park afford views of black and white rhino and plains game. Bird watching and nature trails on and around Big Cave Camp private game ranch are also arranged.
Tours are arranged to Rhodes' grave and 'World's View' and the famous Matobo National Park rock art galleries; Ndebele village, school, clinic and traditional healer; the Cyrene Mission.
"Everything was superb. Great trip and our group of 12 appreciated all the attention. Your choice of lodges and camps in Zimbabwe and Botswana was perfect." JW Orinda, CA
Scheduled Safaris - Zimbabwe
See the custom safari section where trips are cost effective for two or more persons. Visits to Zimbabwe's wildlife, cultural and scenic areas are linked with 'meet and greet' transfers and transportation and expert guides are found in the camps and lodges. The infrastructure of Zimbabwe is such not many trips are offered as scheduled departures.
RHINO SAFARI {WS}
Victoria Falls, Hwange, Matusadona – Kariba, Mana Pools
This is the finest cross-country camping safari in Zimbabwe. We have a high staff to guest ratio and take a maximum of eight guests. The safari takes in all the best reserves along the Zambezi Valley. All bathroom facilities on the safari are private. Activities and modes of transport are varied to make the safari as stimulating as possible: Aircraft, Land Rovers, boats, canoes and your own two feet will all be put to use. All meals are included, except for lunch and dinner at Victoria Falls.
Day 1 - Victoria Falls - Ilala Lodge On arrival in Victoria Falls, you are met and transferred to the Ilala Lodge, one of the closest hotels to the falls. You will have the afternoon at leisure to explore the falls or take an optional Sunset Cruise on the Zambezi River. In the evening, your guide will meet with the group at Ilala Lodge at 6:30 pm for a pre-safari briefing.
Days 2 to 3 - Hwange National Park We travel south to Hwange National Park, Zimbabwe's largest wildlife sanctuary. Here we spend our time game viewing and birding on nature drives, at waterholes, and on walks in the Makalolo area. We may see Elephant, Buffalo, Sable Antelope, Cheetah, Lion, Leopard and Wild Dog, as well as various storks, vultures and eagles. We stay at our tented camp within Hwange National Park.
Days 4 to 5 - Matusadona National Park Today we fly to Matusadona National Park on the shores of Lake Kariba, one of the world's largest man-made lakes. We stay here for two nights spending time on drives and walks, viewing large concentrations of Buffalo, Elephant and other animals. Our best opportunities for viewing Black Rhino exist here. Birding is good, with African Fish Eagle, Goliath Heron and Saddle billed Stork being common. Spectacular sunsets over the lake are a highlight.
Day 6 to 8 - Canoeing on the Zambezi River We fly to Mana Pools. The canoe safari begins at the Ruckomechi Camp. Gliding silently down the mighty Zambezi River in Mana Pools is one of the highlights of the safari. No previous canoeing experience is necessary. Birding along the river is very good, with Kingfishers and Bee-eaters being common. Elephant, Hippos and Crocodiles may be seen at the water's edge. We overnight at secluded fully serviced camps each night.
Day 9 - Chikwenya Camp The canoeing ends this morning, and we spend the final night of the safari at Chikwenya Camp. Chikwenya Camp is situated on the eastern boundary of the Mana Pools National Park overlooking the Zambezi and Sapi Rivers. It's a wonderful camp to end off a great safari.
Day 10 - End of Safari After breakfast you will be flown back to Kariba Airport by mid-morning to connect with your onward flight.
Departures: Several departures each month from May to early October.
Cost: $3195 per person May & June. $3450 per person July to October.
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